ABSTRACT
As was touched upon in the introductory chapters, our notions of Ourselves are to a significant extent constructed on the basis of opposition to Them, to the out-group. By establishing what They are, and what We condemn and distance Ourselves from in Their way of being, We also establish what We are not and what We do not ever want to become. As has also been clarified, enemy images are not the sole feasible variant of depicting these Others who comprise the necessary antipode to our images of Ourselves. However, since the study of enemy images constitutes a traditional concern among image theorists, it might be a natural starting point in this chapter. If it becomes clear that an external power is perceived by a great number of respondents as being a chief adversary, an actor responsible for many of the ills that have befallen Russia in recent years, then this would seem to be an important part of the national self-images adhered to by those interviewed.
